The New Lexus IS F Is The Old IS F, And The Last IS F, Ever

The Lexus IS F was, when introduced in 2008, the brand's first real attempt to meet the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C Class AMG head-on. For the most part, it was a success, even if it didn't top either of the Germans.

Today, Lexus released info on its 2014 IS F, and it's almost exactly the same as last year's, right down to its last-generation IS platform (though the price has gone up), despite the arrival of the new 2014 IS sedan.

Rated at 416 horsepower from a 5.0-liter V-8, the 2014 IS F does get a handful of aesthetic updates, including LED fog lamps, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, Alcantara trim on the doors and center console, black semi-aniline leather trim on the seats, and headrests embossed with the "F" logo.

But this is also the last IS F that will be built. After this year's run is done, it will be dead. Fortunately, it will be replaced with a performance version of the Lexus RC coupe, which is set to be launched at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

We've spied the 2015 Lexus RC F already, and it looks like a sleeker, smaller take on the luxury-performance coupe theme--a welcome change from the hefty IS sedan basis.

Under the hood of the RC F, another high-output V-8 engine is likely, perhaps even the same unit found in the current IS F, though it could get updates to improve emissions and gas mileage. Power output is expected to stay in the just-over-400-horsepower range.